volume 49 no. 10 late summer rest, reset. the epistle · 2021. 7. 27. · cooking? shrimp on the...
TRANSCRIPT
1 The Epistle – Summer 2021
The
Epi
stle
The monThly newsleTTer of
sT. maTThew’s Parish, Pacific Palisades, ca
Summer 2021Volume 49 No. 10
LATE SUMMER REST, RESET.By the time you read this, the St. Matthew’s campus will once again be quiet. Several
members of the parish staff will be taking time away; our facilities team will be starting to repair the wear and tear of six weeks of Day Camp (talk about a joyful noise!); tempera-tures will be on the warm side; and hopefully you are finding time for occasional afternoon naps, lazing by a swimming pool or a few hours at the beach.
Late summer is that time of year when we rest. When we sink into the lull between long anticipated activities and vacations and the return to fall schedules that send us every which way. When we actually catch our breath.
It’s a similarly tranquil time in terms of the Church year. We are nearly halfway through the long season of Pentecost, which stretches from late May through November. Also known as Ordinary Time, this “Season of the Spirit” is when we focus on what following the risen Christ looks like, day in and day out. Somewhere in the middle of all of that is a perfect time to pause and remember that though we are called to work and to growth, we are also called to Sabbath. Especially after the year we’ve all just had, during which the normal rhythms of our lives have been so profoundly disrupted. We need to take a moment to relax. And, I would add, take stock of some of the graces that have emerged during the past sixteen months.
Certainly, one of the gifts of the pandemic, for this Parish, has been a more fulsome appreciation for the natural beauty on our campus. The Patio Eucharist (begun last Au-gust) dazzled us with its backdrop of redwood trees, chorus of birdsong, and gusts of wind (perhaps the Spirit?) wreaking havoc with flower arrangements. Sunday after Sunday we were reminded of how deeply we are connected with and nurtured by God’s good creation.
Worshiping outdoors, in turn, has brought a refreshing lack of formality to our time to-gether. And since late June, the playfulness that comes with it has been bringing even more joy as the Patio Eucharist morphed into the Simple Summer Service on Founders’ Meadow. This shorter worship experi-ence has been particularly welcoming for our young-est members, as they and their families have spread out on blankets on the grass, while those who prefer more solid seating settle on the adjacent pa-tio. It feels like a wonder-ful family picnic, especial-ly when followed by snacks and/or lunch and a dip in the Parish Pool. (Continued on Page 2)
2 The Epistle – Summer 2021
Which brings to mind another amazing grace of the past year. And that is an ever-deepening awareness of the impor-tance of our human connection and community. Yes, we have all always known we need one another. But the deprivation of quarantine, in spite of the miraculous ways in which technology has helped, has called forth a cherishing of who we are – to and with one another – that has been a joy to behold. When we started Front Door Communion last October, so many of you were so eager to deliver Eucharist to one another. To get in your cars, drive to other Parish families’ homes, place bags containing consecrated Bread and a simple liturgy at their front doors, ring the doorbells, and from behind a mask at a safe distance greet them. And remind them that we who are many are one body.
Six months later, when we gathered en masse on the main Meadow on Easter morning, the joy in seeing one another was palpable; when we finally opened the doors of the Church to invite a small congregation into the livestream service a couple of weeks later, we were almost giddy. The smiling faces, the outstretched hands, the welcoming body language was such a sweet sight to behold. And though rising infection rates over the past several weeks have required us to gently pump the breaks on our slow-motion reunion, the spirit of it, and the joy of it, and the gratitude for it, are undiminished.
Being present to what is, in the mo-ment, does not come easily to most of us. Our minds run helter-skelter from this thought to that: the plans we are making, the concerns we are carrying, the hopes we imagine will get away if we don’t actualize them quickly! But for now, I invite us all to stay off that spinning wheel for just a few days more, maybe even a week or two. And as summer wanes, rest, and reflect on the graces I’ve described, and any others that you may be noticing have come your way. By being in that space, by resting, just a bit, you will allow your body and your mind and your heart to reset. It’s okay if it takes a little time. It’s okay if you don’t “get much done.” That’s the idea.
Faithfully, Christine+
Late Summer Rest, continued
The St. Matthew’s Parent-Tot program for newborns to three-year-olds returns in late September! Registration will begin in August. If you would like to be added to the Parent-Tot mailing list, please complete our Interest Form. Thank you!
Parent - Infant/Toddler Interest Form
3 The Epistle – Summer 2021
Parish New
sPacific Palisades indePendence day Parade
St. Matthew’s brought out the big (bubble) guns for the 4th of the July parade this year when about two dozen participants marched, cheered, cycled, scootered or rode along with the Parish - just behind Troop 223’s entry of boats filled with Scouts sailing through the Palisades.
The dress code was strictly red, white and blue for evereyone on parade and those spectating. Many in the neighborhood cheered to see the Clergy, shouted “I love Day Camp,” or sang a few bars of Scoobedy-Doo from the “stands” as the St. Matthew’s group passed. Three cheers for the Rev. Stefanie Wilson for her hard work coordinating with the parade organizers and wrangling the team of participants!
4 The Epistle – Summer 2021
Parish Newssummer fun at st. matthew’s
Beginning in July, the St. Matthew’s pool opened for free swim on Sundays immediately following the 10:30am service - to the delight of many members of the community who have been happy to cool off, splash about and enjoy some time in the water. Parishioners are invited to stay after this late morning service held on Founder’s Meadow until 1pm and
many have opted to bring a picnic to enjoy lunch on the lawn.
The pool will continue to be available, with lifeguards on duty, after each outdoor Summer Service through September 12.
Summer Staff PicksLooking for something to help you rest and reset this summer? Here are some of the things the Parish Staff are enjoying!
What have we been...Reading?Baby teeth, by Zoje Stage * The Natchez Burning trilogy by Greg Isles * Falling Up-ward by Richard Rohr * Interior Chinatown * Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb * Jung and the Bible by Wayne G. Rollins; * Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty * This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work (Empower the Future, 1) by Tiffany Jewell \* Malibu Rising: A Novel * What is God Like by Rachel Held Evans & Matthew Paul Turner * The Sister’s Grimm by Menna van Praag * Utopia * People Magazine * High School Admissions Websites
...Watching?Documentaries by Lauren Greenfield * McCartney 3, 2, 1 * Monsters at Work * Ted Lasso * Schitt’s Creek * Quinceañera * Mysterious Benedict Society * Independence Day * The Good Place * Old seasons of Survivor and Lost * Broadchurch
...Listening to?The Apology Line * Dua Lipa * Aaron Copland * Being Well * Headspace * Still Processing * Howard Stern Interviews * My instincts (finally)
...Up to?Paddle Tennis * Rummikub * Pickleball (when my body cooperates) * Morning beach walks * Gardening * E-biking * Beat Saber
Cooking?Shrimp on the Bar-B * Scones, Scones, Scones * Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking by Eileen Yin-Fei Lo * Turkey chili * Sheet Pan Baked Feta with Broccolini, Tomatoes and Lemon * NY Times’ 20 Sauces to Change Your Cooking * Trying to master impossible meat on the BBQ (and failing) * As little as possible…
5 The Epistle – Summer 2021
Parish New
s1026 Bienveneda Photo uPdate
Have you noticed that our construction on the home is moving along? Framing, plumbing, and electricity are all in the works. Here’s a better view of the progress so far!
Outreach Success Story
Great news for Outreach Partner, GAIA, whose June fundraising gala earned more than $425,000 in support of its mission toward global health! Thanks to all those in the St. Matthew’s community who joined with others in support of GAIA and its amazing work.
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Outreach Opportunity
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE FOR PRISM Many parishioners LOVE the annual PRISM picnic at St. Matthew’s on Labor Day Weekend. This year, for health and safety reasons, we’re sending big backpacks of school supplies to the kids instead, plus sports balls and water bottles! Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B44AAAE2EA64-school
2021 School Supplies Drive
────
Benefitting the children of
incarcerated individuals through St. Matthew’s partnership
with the PRISM Ministry
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Sign up to underwrite,
transport, or help fill backpacks!
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Distribution Day is August 7th 2021,at St.
John’s Cathedral
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Co-Chaired by Kathy Bitting, Jackie Ehlers Kim Ling, Mary Ellen Kanoff, and Daniela
Winter
QUESTIONS OR MORE INFO?
Contact Jackie Ehlers [email protected]
Mobile (310) 560-6415
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STA
FF D
IREC
TO
RY
&
CA
LEN
DA
RThe office is currently open by
appointment. Please call or email to best reach the Parish Staff.
The Rev. Bruce A. Freeman, Rector (Ext. 130) [email protected]
The Rev. Christine F. Purcell, Associate Rector (Ext. 129) [email protected]
The Rev. Stefanie G. Wilson, Assistant Priest (Ext. 183) [email protected]
Ms. Missy Morain, Director of Program Minis-try; (Ext. 139) [email protected]
•Ms. Lyris Amador, Director of Administration
(Ext. 180) [email protected]. Andrea Bostick, Director of Development
(Ext. 182) [email protected]. Craig Ehlers, Chief Financial Officer (Ext.
126) [email protected]. Greg Heidt, Director of Facilities and Op-
erations (ext. 108) [email protected]. Jennifer McCarthy, Director of Communi-
cations (Ext. 128) [email protected]. Dwayne Milburn, Director of Music (Ext.
179) [email protected]. Jeremias Mendez, Special Projects Manager
(Ext. 133) [email protected]. Haesung Park, Parish Organist, hpark@
stmatthews.comMs. Shawn Silletti, Administrative Assistant
(Ext. 100) [email protected]
•The Rev. Kristin Barberia, School Chaplain
(Ext. 125) [email protected]. Edward Kim, SMPS Head of School (Ext.
146) [email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a Christian community, and
Welcome all, wherever they are in their journey,
Nourish all who seek unity with God and each other in Christ, and
Serve all, striving to do Christ’s work in the world.
Tune in to our programs via the Parish of St. Matthew
Facebook Page or YouTube Channel
Sundays9:00 am Sunday Service In
Church and Online10:30am Summer Service on
Founder’s MeadowWednesdays10:00 am Wednesday Worship on
FacebookThursdays8:00 pm Compline (via Zoom link)
Staff Directory
Online Services and Prayer Requests
Keep in Your praYers
Please pray for Carol Lanning, Ginny and Sam Hill, Griselda, Wendy, Bob, Kryan, Karen Johnson, John, Jon, Randy Smith, Carol Williams, Jacquie Theis, David, Ian, Claudia, Heather Hicks, Ed Anderson, Claire, Susan Love, Katie, Victoria Rodri-guez, Lannie and Kathryn.
We also remember those who have died in the hope of Christ’s resurrection, especially Karin Barrett Please know that in addition to your praying for these persons, they are prayed for regularly throughout the week by clergy and by members of our Intercessory Prayer Group.
If you would like to add, keep, or remove someone from this list, please call The Rev. Christine Purcell at 310/573-7787, ext. 129. Prayer requests will automatically be kept on the list for one month only.